Lake Kelimutu : An amazing colorful lake

Lake Kelimutu

Maybe some of you have ever tried trekking to Lake Kelimutu but some may still dream to visit it. The Lake has three colors where it is located on the Summit of Mount Kelimutu National Park.

A trip with a rental car with a capacity of 7 seats will keep you be entertained with impressive views along the road for several hours. The winding trip that connects the island by the lenght of 350 km is a worth price for the beauty of Flores that should be discussed. National Park of Kelimutu is the smallest national park of 6 national parks in Bali and Nusa Tenggara. However, the size is not important when you witness the natural beauty that is offered in National Park of Kelimutu. Here there are three lakes located on the summit of Mount Kelimutu where the third has the same name and known as Lake Kelimutu. Each lake has different meaning also has different colour. Those lake is believed as a place for the spirits and also believed has powerful nature force.

Lake Kelimutu is popularized by a netherlander named Van Such Telen in 1915. The beauty is widely known after Y.Bouman describe its beauty and the change of its colour on his script in 1929. 

To reach the lake, you can start from Moni, a small city where moni is the basecamp of the backpackers. The beautiful scenery along the road to the Lake is very beautiful. The most western lake named Tiwu Ata Mbupuyang where it means "A lake of the elderly souls who has died". The lake located in the middle named Tiwu Muri Koo Fai or "A lake of the young souls who has died". The most eastern lake named Tiwu Ata Polo or "A lake for the souls of evil man". You will be surprised if you don't know that the colour of those lakes always be changed. 

The different colour each lake

There are another lake in the world where the lake's colour can be changed like Lake Blue in Mount Gambier, South Australia where the blue colour can be changed into gray color and also it can be predicted. There is also Lake Yudamari on Mount Nakade, Japan where the change of its colour from turquoise color into green. The change of water colour of Lake Kelimutu can't be predicted. Sometimes the colours are blue, green, and black and at other times are white, red, and blue, and several times ago the colour is dark brown. 

Scientifically, the color change of Lake Kelimutu because of the factor of mineral content, moss, and stones in the crater and also the influence of   sunlight.  The scientist believe that this lake is formed from the volcano eruption in the past. This phenomenon has attracted the geologist attention because of the presence of the lake that has three different colours but located in the same mount. The local community in Moni believe that the people who live around the lake have done evilness and died. 

Thick-billed Heleia (Heleia crassirostris)

Lake Kelimutu is a part of National Park of Kelimutu. The highest point of national park is in 5.679 feet located in Mount Kelibara (1.731 metre) and Mount Kelimutu in a height of 5.544 feet or 1.690 metre. The National Park of Kelimutu is a place for 19 species of birds which is endangered such as Punai flores (Treron floris), Wallacea owl (Otus silvicola), Russet-backed Jungle-flycatcher  (Rhinomyias oscillians), Flores mouse deer (Pachycephala dohertyi) Thick-billed Heleia (Heleia crassirostris), Golden-rumped Flowerpecker (Dicaeum annae) Flores Monarch (Symposiachrus sacerdotum), Flame-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia solaris), Flores Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus floris)

Here also can be found tikus gunung (Bunomys naso), buffalo (Bos javanicus javanicus), roe (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), mongoose (Pardofelis marmorata), pangolin (Manis javanica), porcupine (Hystrix brachyura brachyura), and mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus javanicus).

The local community believe that the lake is a place for the spirits of the dead man. The area of Kelimutu is surrounded by forest overgrown by various plants that seldom be found in any other place in Flores. Besides pine tree, there are also ferns, redwood, and edelweiss flower. Pine forest grow thrives in Mount kelimutu. Another area from this mount is barren with unstable sand and ground. The local community believe that Mount Kelimutu is a sacred mount and as a fertility source. 

What Activities You Can Do ?

Climbing is the main reason of the tourist come to Moni or Ende. Several parts of national park is forbidden to visit because of the geothermal is unstable. The safest trekking is located between Moni and Mount Kelimutu. The long of trekking is about 12 km and needs 30 minutes. 

Visitors only can walk around Lake Kelimutu but not all of area can be explored because of several areas are dangerous. If you want to trekking, you can go through the route from Moni to Kelimutu where it's shorter than using car. 

The distance from Moni to the summit is about 12 km. The distance from Moni to the parking area is about 11 km, visitors have to climb the summit through mountain hiking trail and it needs 30 minutes. There are several places you can visit like Blue Stone Beach, Site of Bung Karno's house, and of course shopping  in Ikat market.

If you wanna go shopping, local souvenirs is available in parking area. You can find ikat fabric, woven fabric special from Flores. Every regencies in Flores has different motif. Here the shop list that sell ikat fabric, various type of handicraft and antique goods. 

Harapan Jaya

Jl. Pasar Baru Timur, Maumere

Phone : +62 (0) 382 821227,821240

Subur Jaya

Jl. Pasar Baru Timur, Maumere

Phone : +62 (0) 382 821235

Karya Baru

Jl. R. Suprapto No. 4, Maumere

Phone :+62 (0) 382 821454

How To Go There ?

Kelimutu is located in Koanara village, sub-district of Wolowaru, 66 km from Ende city and 83 kilometre from Maumere. Moni is the closest city, located in the foot of Mount Kelimutu. This small city is the gateway to Lake Kelimutu. The distance between Moni and Kelimutu is 15 km.

You can use ojek (rental motorcycle), car, or public transport to bring you up to parking area before you start your trip to the summit of Mount Kelimutu. There are some buses to Ende from Maumere through Moni. The local people called the us as "wooden bus" or "oto kol". Over there, you have to walk 15 km approximately to the lake location. Everyday, there are flights from Denpasar and Kupang to Maumere. If you want to get more complete information, you can go to Labuan Bajo or Flores.

Travel Tips & Accommodation

Sunrise at Lake Kelimutu.
This is the best atmosphere when you visit Lake Kelimutu

Kelimutu usually covered by fog. It will be better if you visit it at 3.30 AM so you can witness the atmosphere of the amazing sunrise.

This is the best atmosphere to witness the scenery of Lake Kelimutu. The best time to visit to Lake Kelimutu are on July and August. Please order one or two hotel rooms two months before your visit. For the accommodation, Mony city only offer the simpleness that might be suitable for the backpacker. The bungalow here is far from luxurious impression. If you want to stay in the comfort place, Maumere is the right place because of the distance is only 4 hours. In Ende also can be your choice where there's Grand Wisata Hotel over there.

Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge is built in 2010 and the distance is only 20 minutes by using motor vehicle to National Park of Kelimutu. In here there are hot water and clean bathroom. This place is environmentally friendly hotel. So far, the resort is the best resort and the best accommodation. Some toursits spend their honeymoon here. 

Location : Desa Koanara, Kelimutu, Ende

Telephone number : +62 361 7474 205 / 7474 204

HP: +62 813 39776 232

Email: reservation@ecolodgesindonesia.com

www.ecolodgesindonesia.com

Watugana Bungalow is the comfort and suitable inn for backpacker. The bungalow has 5 rooms that is located in the first floor and the other are in upstairs. every rooms has each bathrooms and also valance. The price is about Tp 150.000 until Rp 250.000. For ordering the room, you have to believe that John (The bungalow keeper) inform you about the room availability.

Phone number : +62 813 3916 7408 (John).

Bintang Lodge nowadays only has one rooms but the interior still new and clean. The rooms use air conditioner and it has hot water, also there is cafe named "Bintang cafe". The room price is Rp 250.000 per night. 

Hotel Arwanti located in Moni area. The hotel has 2 rooms with simple bathrooms. This bungalow is a part of cafe Arwanti and restaurant that is managed by local people over there named Andre.

Hotel Flores Sare is a hotel which is often used for meeting and workshop. The lobby is fascinate with Jesus christ statue fill almost all rooms. The rooms is good enough but you can ask the staff over there to clean up befire you enter it.

Flores sare is close with Kelimutu Center Lake Ecolodge and can be contacted at : +62 381 21075.

Sao Ria Wisata has the incredible scenery where around it there are vegetables garden. Before you enter to the room, you can ask the hotel staff to clean up all room facilities. 


More information about Lake Kelimutu and another tourism object in Indonesia, especially in East Nusa Tenggara, please visit Wonderful Indonesia
May be useful and Thankyour for your visit :)

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Bali : The best of the best island in the world

This is the most famous island in Indonesia. An amazing place, which save the beauty combination of spectacular natural landscape and incredible culture. Its beauty is conformable with friendly and polite citizens. In this island, its culture continue to be preserved from generation to generation. Although there are tourists or not, its art and culture continue to be preserved as a tribute to their ancestors who have built this island for a very long time. 

As the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, Bali has the best resort in the world, harmonize with charming beach and festive nightlife. The Travel and Leisure magazine chooses Bali as The World's Best Island in 2009, while Lonely Planet's chooses Bali in second rank as The Best of Travel 2010.

Green rice field

Bali is known as Gods Island, island of a thousand temples, or paradise island. The natural beauty is very incredible, like Mount Agung, the green and vast rice field that will give you the feel of serenity and peace, also the beauty of its sea surrounded by smooth sandy beach. 

In Bali, you will find the grandeur of artwork and culture. The amazing line indentation and symbols as though born of unlimited creativity and always try to perfecting itself. Bali also has dramatical dance and various traditional ceremonies and the beautiful and qualified artwork. Many interesting things that is offered in this island, start from the spiritual life until culinary and incredible experience from surfing, diving, until trekking in the forest that will challenge your braveness. You will find the beautiful temple, which is built beautifully wherever you go. 

The balinese society that adheres devout Balinese Hinduism, mostly their live is dedicated in traditional ceremony by the purpose to keep the world harmony.

Dreamland beach, Bali

Because of that, this island save many spectacular culture inside it. Bali is the gathered place of various tourists from all the world, start from the tourist that comes to surfing in the waves of Kuta beach, Uluwatu, and Dreamland until the tourist that comes to enjoy the beauty of mountain and lake in Lake Batur, Kintamani, or Lake Beratan in Bedugul.  

There are many kind of transportations that will help you to get around of Bali. The various travel packages start from a half day, full day, until night that is available in Hotel you stayed or from travel agent, which spread anywhere and the abundant travel plans in Bali. You can rent a bike or motorcycle, which is available in Bali. The most important during your travel in Bali is be patient. usually, the ceremonial procession often use all parts of the road so if you stuck in traffic, just enjoy it because of it will be the unique experience from ritual that is difficult found in any other places.

What Activities You Can Do ?

In the beach

The white-sandy beach in Bali is the favourite place for a family who waste their holiday in Bali. There are many sport games in Bali such as banana boat, parasailing, jet skiing, swim or just sunbathing, visiting other small island around Bali, seeing the underwater lifeby using submarine.


The Sunset on Kuta Beach
The most famous beach in Bali is Kuta beach, a unique and the best place to see the sun sets. Along the beach, you can find many lined hotels, start from five-starred hotel until homestay, restaurants, shop, and cafe.

While in the night, this region is start to rousing with many various night clubs and bar. If you prefer to enjoy the quiet night, please go to Jimbaran, a place that is known with barbeque and seafood at the night while you look from the far distance a plane, which is landed and take off from Ngurah Rai Airport. Jimbaran is the place for the best hotels in Bali like Four Season and Bali Intercontinental Hotel. Jimbaran is also known with its barong dance.  In the western of Kuta, there are Legian and Seminyak. In the other side, Sanur beach is also surrounded by Hotels and restaurants. There's also Nusa Dua if you prefer in quiet beach. 

Surfing and Diving in Bali

The start point for the surfers usually in Kuta beach. But the best wave in Bali is located in Uluwatu, in the most southern of Bali island, a place that often held International surfing competition. The best time for surfing is on April until September when the wind blows to southeast. 

Many surfers also love the wave in Nusa Lembongan near Nusa Penida, a place that is located in the southeast of Bali and overlooks to Indian Ocean. The islands is have a distance of 45 minutes by using boat from Nusa Dua or Sanur. In this place, the wave is known with Playground Surf Break, Shipwreck Surf Break, Ceningan Reef Surf Break until Lacerating Surf Break.

One of the fish in Malibu point

In Nusa Penida, the wave stream is strong because of there are a strait that separate between Bali island and Lombok island. In the southwest of Nusa Penida, there are Manta Point and Malibu Point, a place for the divers to swim together with Travally, big rays, even sharks.

In Blue Corner, you can find Moia fish. At the end of most eastern of Bali island there are Padang Bay and Cemeluk, which is known with Amed beach that is suitable for diving where in this place you will be greeted by cardinal fish, black snappers, and damsel fish. 

While in the west-north coast of Bali island there are National Park of Western Bali also the best spot diving in Menjangan with the flat corals, ruins of anchor, eel park, and many caves to be explored.

Rafting, Biking, dan Ecotourism

Rafting on Ayung River

Bali will invite you to challenge your adrenaline in rafting at Ayung river that is spectacular in Ubud. In this place you can play bungee jumping from the top of the cliff. 


If you like to biking, Ubud is the beautiful city for biking like at the film "Eat, Pray, Love". There are also footpath for biking in the southern of Uluwatu. The mountain climbers will love to climb Mount Agung. Start your climbing from the backwards of temple or through Sebudi village.

However, make sure to ask permission from the temple officials, because of the religion in Bali prohibits someone standing higher than the temple especially when the ceremony is in progress. The skilled climbers need 6 until 8 hours and you are suggested to start the climbing at the morning and escorted by skilled guide. 

West Bali National Park

Bird watching in West Bali National Park

For all of you who like to trekking, please visit to West Bali National Park. In the national park by an area of 76.312 hectare, located in Jembrana regency and Buleleng regency. Entering the side of Jembrana in Melaya where close with toll road of Denpasar-Gilimanuk.

The national park offers you a tropical nature, which still natural and it is the house for the rare parrot by the number of a hundred birds. The colour of this bird is white, by the wingtip is black-colored and blue line around its eyes. In this place there is rare Javan Buffalo too by the number of 30 until 40 buffalo in the forest hinterland. Other animals in West Bali National Park are deer, mouse deer, leopard, a kind of weasel, and some kinds of monkey. 


The visitors who want to go to West Bali National Park have to get permission where you can get it free in Cekik, Labuhan Lalang or in the ministry office of forestry at Renon, Denpasar. Although there are many shelters in this place, the trekkers must bring some sleeping pads, anti-mosquito lotion, foods, water, and other equipments. There are some simple hotels available in Labuhan Lalang or in Gilamanuk and Negara. 

Mangrove Tour in Benoa

Mangrove forest in Benoa, Bali

Another interesting ecotourism is in Mangrove forest through uphill footpath made from wood. The forest is located near Benoa harbour in Suwung kau, about 21 km to the southern of Denpasar. The information center of Mangrove has been opened in 2003, intended for the study and preservation of mangrove areas. By an area of 200 hectare, in this area there are an area of seedbed by an area of 7.700 square kilometre, footpath made from wood for the observation and exploration, cottage for take a rest and meditation also floating dock. 


Mangrove trees have important role in the marine life cycle and food chain because of mangroves provide key area of the organism breeding that is very important for food chain in the sea. And if one day later tsunami comes, mangrove have a role as barrier and defense  zone for the sea life.


The best time to visit mangrove forest is in the morning or daylight, where that times is the best moment to witness various species of bird that make mangrove as its habitat.

Cultural Perfomances

Kecak dance in Tanah Lot, Bali
Kecak dance represent the story of Ramayana

In Bali, dance and drama is a part that can't be separated from the traditional ceremony, which is considered as sacred ceremony. Every village has different date in traditional ceremony, and tourists can see the balinese dance  everywhere. The village in Bali offer cultural show, which is intended for the tourists. Barong dance is held in the morning at Batubulan village. This is the eternal story about the fight between goodness and evilness. 


Kecak dance is performed more dramatic in the open field at Tanah Lot temple by the background of the sun sets. Kecak dance tell us about Ramayana story where in the Ramayana history, her wife Sinta was kidnapped by Rahwana. In the forest, Rama seen the gold deer and he tried to catch it, but before he have made a circle around Sinta to protect her and warned her to didn't go outside of the circle because of Rama was worry with her safety. Then Rahwana persuaded Sinta to out of the circle and then he is succeed to kidnap her. To save her, Prince Rama helped by Gods White Monkey, Hanoman. Rhythm and music of Kecak dance is based on concurrent voice of human, which represent the Hanoman army that sit make the circle form. At the sun sets and start going to dark, this area is illuminated directly by the light of torch and it looks so dramatic.


Peliatan village is famous with the beautiful dance of Legong Keraton and fantastic music instrument of gamelan. Another interesting dance are Baris dance and Mask dance where it is the solo show that express the character and human emotion. 

Shopping

Bali is an island,which produce the best artist and craftsman, where the creativity flow from  village to village. Painter, wood carver, dancer and many more you can find here and they are the best, with artistical tradition that is lowered from generation to generation. 





Carved wood in Mas village, Bali
Mas village is known as the best carved wood in Bali

Many souvenirs you can buy here is painting. If you want to buy the best painting, please visit some galleries in Ubud and you are ready to admire the artwork from the artist, before you decide to buy the painting over there. Balinese painting is suitable to be framed by carved wood. For the best carved wood, please go to Mas village, a place for many skilled  wood carvers. If you search gold and silver jewelerry, please go to Celuk village. 


However, if you think to bring home the souvenir for your friends, the best place is Sukawati market where you will find various souvenirs over there. The balinese wood carving is very popular and you can find it in Tegallalang, Pujung and Sebatu. If you wanna buy elegant ceramics, Jenggala Ceramics in Jimbaran is the perfect place. Their vast galerry, only 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airpot will offer you various type of cutlery design and kitchen equipments made from local craftsman and of course its price is very affordable. 


If you want to buy casual or fashionable clothes at hot day, the best place is in Kuta where there are many shops and boutique sell various type of shirt, surfing clothes, sandals until unique souvenir. If you interested to buy durable food as your souvenir, Balinese coffe is a aromatic coffe  that must be bought. You might also buy some aromatherapy essential oil to be mixed in your bathub.

Spa

One of Spa resort in Ubud, Bali

Bali nowadays has become a Spa trendsetter in Southeast Asia. Almost all luxurious hotels offer unique and qualified spa facility where the guests can enjoy the luxurious treatment and pamper yourself.

In this place you will be pampered by the aromatheraphy massage by the ingredients of spices, and scrub with essential oil, which only can be enjoyed by royal princess modified by using modern technology.

Two spa resort in Bali offer you "thalassotherapy" made from the sea richness, which contains mineral and oligo element that become concoction to massage and absorbed directly by your blood to give the balance in your body. 


A number of Spa is located in the middle of the scenery of green hills that is very beautiful incredible and river or the scenery that is overlooking to the sea will give you a peace and relaxation. Every spa have excellence and uniqueness itself.

Weekend in Bagus Jati gives you to enjoy delicious and healthy food, many activities for you to pamper yourself in tropical forest. In this place, the herb concoction is made to recover your body, mind, and soul, clear up your body of all poisons. You can do Yoga routinely to complete this treatment. 

Culinary

Bali is unique also its food from luxurious food until simple food, from balinese traditional food until international food. You can get everything during your holiday in Bali. Here the list of food place that is often visited by domestic tourist or foreign tourist based on the region. 

Kuta,Tuban, Legian & Seminyak

Warung Made
Location : Jl. Banjar Seminyak
Open : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Asian & Internasional Food. 

Hard Rock Cafe
Location : Jl. Pantai Kuta
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Asian & Internasional Food
Papa's Cafe
location : Jl Pantai Kuta
buka : makan siang, makan malam
makanan : Itali
Kafe Warisan
Location : Jl. Kerobokan Kuta
Open : Lunch and Dinner.
Food type : French food.
Gado - Gado
Location : Jl. Dhyana Pura 99
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Internasional
Ku De Ta (Kudeta)
Location : Jl. Laksmana No. 9 Seminyak
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : International food
Bali Bakery
Location : Jl. Raya Kuta
Open : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Food type : Asian and International food.
Dijon Cafe
Location : Jl. Setia Budi Kuta
Open : Lunch and dinner
Food type : International food
Kafe Batan Waru Tuban
Location : Jl. Kartika Plaza
Open : Lunch and dinner
Food type : Asian and International food.
Bali Deli Cafe
Location : Jl. Kunti 117 X Seminyak
Open : lunch and dinner
Food type : Asian French Bristo & International food
Hu'u Bali
Location : Jl. Petitenget Seminyak
Open : makan siang, makan malam
Food type : International food
Hard Rock Cafe
Location : Jl. Pantai Kuta
Open : lunch and dinner
Food type : Asian and International food.
Atmosphere
Location : Discovery Mall D36, Jl. Kartika Plaza
Open : Breakfast and lunch
Food type : International food. 

Eikon
Location : Jl. Legian # 178
Open : Dinner

Esc
Location  : Jl. Legian No.61
Open : Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
makanan : Internasional

Golden Lotus
Location : Bali Dynasty Resort Jl. Kartika Plaza
Open : lunch and dinner
Food type : China

Kunyit Bali
Location : Santika Premiere Beach Resort, Jl. Kartika Plaza
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Balinese food

Lais
Location : Legian Beach Hotel
Open : Dinner
Food type : Indonesian & Balinese food

O’India
Location : Jl. Sunset Road No. 3
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Indian Food

Sushi Tei Bali
Location : sunset road 99
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Japanese food

Tanaya’s Cafe
Location : Jl. Raya Legian 131
Open : Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Food type : Japanese food

Tj’s
Location : Poppies Lane I/24
Open : Breakfast and Lunch
Food type : Mexican food

Seminyak, Kerobokan, & Canggu

Artini
Location : Bali Mystique, Jl. Raya Petitenget No. 2000XX
Open : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Food type : International food. 

Bale Sutra
Locatio : Hotel Tugu Bali, Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Indonesian and Chinese food

Cabe Rawit
Location : Jl. Kunti No. 8
Open : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Food type : Indonesian food. 

Fresh
Location : Jl. Laksmana
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Japanese food. 

Gateway of India
Location : Jl. Pantai Kuta 11B, Jl. D. Tamblingan 103, Jl. Dhyana Pura 10
Open : breakfast and Dinner
Food type : Indian food. 

Husk Restaurant & Bar
Location : Sofeitel seminyak, Jl. Camplung Tanduk
Open : Dinner
Food type : International food

K2
Location : Jl. Laksmana 33
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Japanese food. 

Kafe Wrisan
Location : Jl. Raya Kerobokan 38, Banjar Taman
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : French food

Kaizan
Location : Jl. Laksmana 33
Open : Lunch and Dinner
makanan : Koren & Japanese

La Lucciola
Location : Jl. Oberoi, Kayu aya Beach
Open : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Australian food.

La Sal
Location : Jl. Drupadi 11
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Spanish food. 

The Living Room
Location : Jl. Petitenget 2000X, Kerobokan-Kuta
Open : Dinner
Food type : Asian and French food. 

Mankepis
Location : Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 2
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Belgian food. 

Mykonos Taverna
Location : Jl. Laksmana 52
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Greek food. 

Nutmegs
Location : Jl. Petitenget
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Fusion food. 

Paul’s Place Thai Kitchen
Location : Jl. laksmana
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Thailand food. 

Rio
Location : Jl. Raya Seminyak 31B
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Brazillian food. 

Tugu Dining
Location : Hotel Tugu, Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Indonesian food. 

Ultimo
Location : Jl. Laksmana 104X
Open : Dinner
Food type : Italian food. 

Warung Bale Bali
Location : Jl. Kunti 4
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Asian food

Warung Bonita
Location : Jl. Petitenget 2000X
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Balinese and Indonesian food

Bali Buddha
All of your needs surrounded by friendly environment can be gotten in Bali Buddha. We provide natural import medicine, organic vegetables, healthy breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Open start from 7.00 AM until 10.00 PM everyday.
Location : Kerobokan

Bali Bakery
We provide every kind of bread and pastries where nowadays is developed become large restaurant with many various type of foods. Please visit and enjoy Italian cofee here.
Location :  Jl. Iman Bonjol, Kuta.

Bali Deli
Provides all types of ordinary and special daily menus. The first park community in Seminyak. Providing  the best and special food from France and all types of luxurious international food
Location : Jl. Kuti, Seminyak.

Dijon
An excellent deliciousness, providing type of import foods, pickle, cheese, and etc. Receiving delivery orders to a house or villa.
Location Jl. Setiabudi, Kuta.

Gourmet Garage
Provide the best ice cream in this island is like the main choice from wine cellar and the incredible cheese import
Location : Jimbaran.

Papaya
Offer reasonable prices for many connoisseurs, a special place to buy shusi and maki rolls made fresh daily as the reason.Location : Jl. Mertanadi.

Denpasar & Sanur
Warung Satria
Location : Jl. WR Supratman Tohpati Denpasar
Open : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Food : Nasi Campur Bali (Ayam)
Warung Wardani 
Location : Jl. Yudistira Denpasar Bali
Open : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Food : Nasi Campur Bali (Ayam)
Kafe Batujimbar
lokasi : Jl. Batujimbar Sanur
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Asian and International food.
Kafe Wayang Bali 
Location : Komp. Pertokoan Sanur Raya, Sanur
Open : Dinner and Lunch
Food type : International food
Arena
Location : Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 115
Open : Dinner
Food type : International food. 

Pizza Ria
Location : Bali Hyatt, Jl. Danau Tamblingan 89
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Italian food

Stavyanka
Location : Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 121X
Open : Lunch and Dinner
Food type : Russian food

Telaga Naga
Location : Bali Hyatt, Jl. Danau Tamblingan 89
Open : Dinner
Food type : Chinese food 

How To Go There?

With the addition of direct flights from different parts of the world, come to Bali is very easy. The flight from jakarta to Bali needs 1,5 hours. While other routes to Bali is through Banyuwangi by using ferry, located in the eastern of east java and it needs 30 minutes until 45 minutes from Banyuwangi (Ketapang harbour) to Bali (Gilimanuk harbour). From Bali, you can continue your travel to Lombok, in West Nusa Tenggara. By using ferri from Padang Bai harbour, it takes 4 hours to reach Lombok. Bali has many travel agents to help your trip during your holiday in Bali. 

Accommodation

Friendly.
That's one of the balinese typical

There are many good resorts that will offer its luxurious inns. Mostly are starred hotels where it is located in Kuta. Beside of that, those hotels have private spots in certain beaches. You can find it easily the popular spots in Kuta and Sanur. If you are in the quiet highland like Ubud, forget all of starred hotels because of you are in Ubud to enjoy its atmosphere. Please choose small inns, which is located along the road in Ubud.

At the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in 2007, a man use wheelchair stayed at a small Inn in the Monkey Forest. He got a trouble to descend the stairs in his bungalows. Then he skipped his festival. When he back at the night, the inn owner has made special road to go to his bungalow. That's the typical of balinese friendliness.
Quest Hotel Tuban, Bali

Jl. Kediri No. 9 Tuban,
Bali, 80361
Quest Hotel Tuban is inaugurated at 16 March 2012. Located in Jalan Kediri, only 5 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The three-starred hotel has 95 rooms by the size of 39 until 42 square metre. The size is larger than rooms hotel in Bali generally. The completeness seems like another renowned restaurant where it has eclectic restaurant, swimming pool, and full service spa.Quest Hotel Tuban can be said quite affordable for all of you who want to combine hotel budget with the best service standard plus environmentally friendly. Quest Hotel Tuban is targeted for you who has high standard, appreciate the alluring design.


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Garuda Wisnu Kencana : The most magnificent artwork from Bali

This is the amazing monumental art from Bali. The cultural park of Garuda Wisnu Kencana or GWK is a tourism park also as the window of art and culture in the southern of Bali island. Located in Bukit Unggasan-Jimbaran, Tanjung Nusa Dua , Badung regency, about 40 km in the southern of Denpasar.

The half-body statue of Gods Vishnu

Garuda Wisnu Kencana is located in the highland of limestone and at that place, you can view the panorama of tourist area in the southern coast of Bali by the background of amazing nature scenery. Located in a height of 146 metre above ground level or 236 metre above sea level.

In this place will be built the giant statue of Gods Vishnu that is riding Garuda  by the height of 12 metre. The giant statue is a art creation from the famous sculptor named I Nyoman Nuarta. The monument is developed as a cultural park and become an icon of balinese tourism. The statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a embodiment of culture and ancient tradition. The statue of Gods Vishnu in Hindu is a gods of preserver (Sthiti), which is riding Garuda. An art that is inspired from the story of Adi Parva in the Garuda episode about Garuda's devotion and sacrifice to save its mother from slavery. Then Garuda subserve to Gods Vishnu to become his conveyance which later protected by Gods Vishnu. The legend story about Garuda is sculpted clearly the sides of Kidal temple in Malang regency. 

The statue of Garuda's Head

Gods Vishnu is denoted as a source of wisdom and preserver by riding Garuda as a symbol of strength and prosperity. GWK is a symbol of culture based on natural balance. In the concept of Tri Murthi where Gods Vishnu has a duty to keep the universe and Garuda as Vishnu's conveyance is a symbol of selfless devotion. Garuda is often depicted ha head, wings, tail, and snout of eagle, and body, hands, and human legs. its face is white with red wings, and golden body. The size is very large so it can preclude the sunlight. Garuda is a mythological bird, a half-human a half-bird. Japanese society call Garuda as Karura while in Thailand, Garuda is called as Pha Krut. Indonesia and Thailand is two states, which is used Garuda as their national symbol. 

The statue concept
of Vishnu and Garuda in small size

The statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is hoped to keep the balance between Skala (real world) and Niskala (unreal world) so the natural harmonization can be created. The statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a mission symbol of saving the environment and the world. The cultural park itself also has a function to educate the society, especially for young generation to keep the heritage of national culture.

The statue will tie up the layout by the distance of 20 km, so this place can be seen from Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, even Tanah Lot. The statue is made from the mixture of brass and copper also steel, which in several part will be coated with 4000 ton of gold mosaic.

By the height of 75 metre and the width of 60 metre, it will make you be amazed when you look the form of Garuda fully later. Nowadays, you can see a part of those statue in the location, at the form of a half-body of Gods Vishnu and head part of Garuda.

GWK was built in 1997 and it is planned if the all parts of the statue will be finished in 2005 but this project was almost stopped because of the fund problem. It needs 600 billions to finish it. The statue of GWK is planned will be the largest and highest statue in the world, defeat the statue of liberty in United States by the height of 46 metre and the weight of 204 ton. 

What Activities You Can Do ?

Kecak dance

By the ticket price of Rp 25.000 each people is a comparable price with its services and facilities.  You can find the beauty of balinese building through of the monument grandeur and also the humility of its spiritual.

In GWK, you can do fun activities such as fun ride and adventure, art and cultural package, wedding package, segway fun ride, and outbond. Everyday in this place is held several daily events like the show of Kecak tektekan, Balinese dance,rindik music, barong ngelawang, joged bumbung dance, and barong dance. Before you enter to park area, you will find 2 parts of the large Vishnu's hands statue in the field under the cliff. A scenery that will make you can estimate how big the size of the statue later. 

Near the entrance, try to browse the limestone wall that has been carved like figures in Hinduism story. Next, look at the cliff by the height of 20 metre that will make this place become so majestic and very natural. The coral stones is cut vertically, form  the grand stand walls, surrounded by green grass from the backwards until to the front of Garuda statue. From the area size, of course that the area will be able to resettle morse than ten thousands visitors later. 

There's also a park surrounded by yellow lamps, which very suitable for all of you who want to take a photo. Between the statue of garuda head and the half-body Vishnu's statue is still separated because the work is not finished yet. When you walk to the half-body Vishnu's statue, there're some sport games like flying fox, "marine bridge", and "rappeling and rock climbing" and the price for all sport games are Rp 35.000,00.

Amphitheatre.
In this place is often held many shows like Kecak dance and Barong dance

In this place also has been built some facilities like amphitheater, garden festival, fish pool, street theater, exhibition room, souvenir shop, and restaurant. You can witness many shows and activities like art and culture activities also exhibition. The Amphitheatre is able to  accommodate 800 seats by the quality number one of acoustic place, which is often used for the show of art and culture. 

The street theatre is a right place to share the procession, fashion show, and other moving shows. The lotus pond is surrounded by pillars of rock also the background of the statue of Garuda head, make this area become very dramatically for every grand event. Plaza Kura-Kura, which have 200 people capacity is suitable for meeting place. There's also Exhibition Gallery, which has a size of 200 square meter and 10 square meter of opened field inside the Exhibition Gallery.

You also can find Gapura Batu, which consist of several pillar of stone by the height of 25 metre stand solidly where later, it will be styled with various monuments that is taken from Ramayana story, which become inspiration source of art show in Bali. 

Adjacent to the statue of Gods Vishnu, there's a springs named Parahyangan Somaka Giri, which is considered as a sacral object where its water contains main minerals. The presence of the springs in the top of limestone hill is a miracle and can not be explained scientifically, so making this place become is a right place for the spiritual visit and meditation. The water is believed to be able to cure a variety of diseases, even it is used by local citizen in the ceremony to invoke the rain so they can produce good harvest.

With an area of 250 hectare, GWK is capable to gather all of the activities of balinese cultures. The GWK's visitors will witness the monumental grandeur and the spiritual humility where everything over there is perfected with modern touch by the best service and number one in quality. 

How To Go There ?

GWK is located approximately 40 km to the south of Denpasar and if you come from the airport of Ngurah Rai, you need 15 minutes or less than one hour from the location of main hotels. From Ubud you need 1,5 hours and 30 minutes from Kuta. You can use taxi or rent a car , which available in the airport or in every tourism object in Bali.

The entryway to the complex is paved finely. The lenght is about 1 km, in the right and left side is filled by pillars of limestone cliffs. Luxurious is the first impression when you enter into this mega project for the first time. 

Travel Tips, Culinary, & Accommodation

Inside of GWK is available of several cafe and restaurants, which serve various culinary, start form snacks until banquets. The service of on-sitecatering is able to serve until 2000 portion with many various food of Indonesia, oriental, even International. You also can try to taste foods in Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto, which is surrounded by amazing scenery. 

For the accommodation, several hotels is available around Garuda Wisnu Kencana. Here the list of hotels you can try. 

•    Pat Mase Villas Hotel
Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera No 88B, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia
•    Gending Kedis Luxury Villas Hotel
Jalan KarangMas Sejahter 100Y, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia
•    Bali Baliku Luxury Villa
Jalan Bukit Permai No. 5A Jimbaran Indonesia Po. Box 3022, Jimbaran, Bali
•    Udayana Kingfisher Eco Lodge
Jalan Kampus Bukit Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali
•    InterContinental Bali Resort
Jalan Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran , Bali, Indonesia, Jimbaran, Bali
•    Nirmala Hotel and Resort
Jalan Uluwatu II no. 10 - Jimbaran, Jimbara
•    Jimbaran Puri Bali Hotel
Jalan Uluwatu, Jimbaran , Jimbaran, Bali
•    Keraton Jimbaran Resort and Spa
Jl. Mrajapati, Jimbaran P.O.Box 2023, Jimbaran, Bali
•    Jamahal Private Resort and Spa
Jalan Uluwatu 1 Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali
•    The Beverly Hills Bali Hote
Jl. Goa Gong, Banjar Santhi Karya, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Uluwatu, Bali
•    The Dreamland Luxury Villas and Spa
JL.Raya Uluwatu-Gang Tegeh Pall No.69 Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan, Uluwatu, Bali
•    Puri Bambu Hotel
Jl. Pengeracikan, Kedonganan, Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali
•    Swiss-Belhotel Bay View Suites and Villas
Jalan Taman Mumbul Nusa Dua Bali, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali
•    Langon Bali Resort and Spa
Jl. Darmawangsa, Kampial, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali
•    New Kuta Condotel
The region of Pecatu Indah Resort New Kuta Condotel St. Pecatu South Kuta, Uluwatu, Bali
•    The Hill Villas Hotel
Jalan Taman Giri, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali, Indonesia
•    Park View Heights Private Villas Hotel
Jl. Dharmawangsa No.168 Nusa Dua Hills, Nusa Dua, Benoa, Bali

There are several prohibition that must be obeyed, like not allowed to smoke and be polite.  For more information, you can contact the following information. 

Head Office
Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan
Badung 80364 PO BOX 139 Nusa Dua
Bali, Indonesia
Telp : 62 (361) 703 603
Fax : 62 (361) 703 626
E-mail : info@gwk-culturalpark.com
Website: www.gwk-culturalpark.com
Jakarta Office
Jl. Abdul Muis 88
Jakarta Pusat 10160
Telp : (021) 9229 5748, (021) 9229 5749
Fax: (021) 345 2369
E-mail : jakarta@gwk-culturalpark.com
Bandung Office
Telp : 62 (022) 9307 4649
E-mail : bandung@gwk-culturalpark.com

For more information about Garuda Wisnu Kencana and tourism objects in Indonesia especially in Bali, please visit Wonderful Indonesia
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Visiting the Daily Life of Dayak Tribe.

When you visit Palangkaraya city, look down from your window plane then you will see green nature that is split by small river where around it there are many mangrove trees. The river flow is similar to dragon head with a very long body. 

When the forest region looks clearly, the city of Palangkaraya will appear as though this city is out of tropical forest. Central Kalimantan full of tourism destination and potention of natural resources. Start from plantation, forestry, fishery,  mining, and animal husbandry that will make visitors curious. Besides of that, the diversity of ethnic group and a three-major of Dayak tribe that live in this region like Ngaju tribe, Ot Danun tribe, and Dusun Ma'anyan tribe.

Do you curious? If you want, please leave your routinities temporary and run to this place to enjoy the life experience by involving yourself together with they way of life of Dayak tribe. 

What Activities You Can Do ?

If you want to know more about Dayak tribe, please learn the traditional dance of Dayak and its musical instruments. This is the right place!!

Dayak Ngaju tribe is the most popular Dayak tribe, occupy some places around Kahayan and Kapuas river, which famous of its arts. Especially the wooden coffin with grave stage and high memorial statue. 

Betang House

Ot Danum tribe occupy some places around the river in the north of Ngaju and in the south of Schwaner and Muller mountains. Ot Danum tribe live in the ancient house with a height of pillar is about 2 - 5 metres above ground level. One house has +/- 50 rooms. This traditional house is called Betang house. Ot Danum tribe is known has a skill in weaving the rattan, palm leaf, and bamboo. They still live by following the ways of their ancestors. 

A tribe in Ma'anyan village still believe in spirits, agriculture ritual, and complex death ceremony. And they still rely on the ability of shaman whenever they need recuperation. The grave here shows social levels. The funeral of the high caste people is located in headwaters, followed with soldier grave, the grave of usual society is located in downstream river. The funeral for slave is located in downstream river side. 

You can use Garuda Indonesia directly to Palangkaraya, which fly three times a day. From Palangkaraya, you have to book a travel packet that encompass the visit to Dayak village. Even several packets include live together with Dayak people.

For the accommodation, this village provide temporary residence. During you live over there, you can learn how to make handicraft or how to cook traditionally. 

Get Around

You have to back to Palangkaraya to rent the car or book the travel packets that is will adapted with your desire. This guide will give you the prediction how long your travel to the location and what you have to do to make your travel enjoyable. 

Palangkaraya

Palangkaraya, in Dayak language means "holy casket". Palangkaraya is easy reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan, and other places in island from the air. This city has became the seat of government, commerce, and education. The local museum of Palangkaraya is filled with important collections about history and culture throughout Central Kalimantan.  Here some places that you can visit after or before visiting Dayak village. 

Kuala Kapuas

Kuala Kapuas is located in Kapuas river, 40 km from Banjarmasin. A famous tourism object over there is Telo island, a fisherman village and enjoyable harbour. For the adventurer, rafting enthusiats and nature lovers, there is Rawai cave where it is known with the beatiful and challenge stream. The gold mining in Teweh and Batu Api, Rungan district is also the interesting places to visited. In this region, the gold mining is a main source of livelihood of society over there, they still use traditional methods to mine the gold. 

Sampit

Sampit is the largest wood harbour in Kalimantan. Orchid park in Pembuangan Hulu is a place for a number of rare and beautiful orchid varieties. If you have a hobby in hunting, you can go to Kotawaringin Barat. 

Pangkalanbun

If you architecture enthusiast, you have to visit Ancient palace of Pangkalanbun, it is built by using ulin (ironwood) This is the only heritage of Banjar kingdom that is found in Central Kalimantan. 

Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

The national park of Tanjung puting is known with beautiful nature also wild animal that live in low land and forest swamp where it is inhabited with orang utan, owa-owa, Bekantan monkey, and other primates. You also can visit the center of Orang Utan rehabilitation, which is supported by WWF (World Wildlife Fund)

The Daily life of Dayak

If you want, you might follow some fishermans to catch fish. Their fishing technique start from using fishing rod until using unique nets. You will feel satisfy after you enjoy your catch result. 

Then, to complete your travel you can go to hunt deers and wild boar with locals. Dayak tribe fulfill their necessities of life  by hunting around the forest, they also have unique hunt methods. They don't hunt animals by gesit but somehow those animals come to approach Dayak people.

How they can do that? They have unique methods in attract attention of animal. When they hunt the deer, they imitate the sound of young deer. Because of the deer isn't always protecting its children, the female deer directly approach to that sound.In hunting, they use spear. The spear has a function to catch an animals from the far distance by fling it to that animal, or it is also can used with poison needle, which is implanted into the end-spear then blown into the target. 

More information about Palangkaraya, Dayak tribe, and another tourism object in Indonesia especially in Central Kalimantan, please visit Wonderful Indonesia
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Derawan and Sangalaki Island : The Spirit of The East Kalimantan Tourism Object

Derawan island is perfect tropical paradise. The warm atmosphere surrounded by the white and smooth beach sand, tall and green palm trees, the clear water that can be changed from green into dark blue colour. 

The underwater life of Derawan island is incredible where you will find giant turtle, dolphin, stingrays, sea cows, baracuda, and stingles jellyfish. The shark over here is one of biodiversity in the world. Not surprisingly, Derawan island is known as one of the best diving tourism object in the world. 

Located not far from the mainland of east kalimantan in Berau regency, Derawan island consist of 31 islands and the most famous among those islands is Derawan island, Maratua, Sangalaki, and Kakaban. 

Two green turtles swim together in Derawan island

Derawan island is a nest of rare and dangerous green turtle, also hawksbill. Everyday you can witness  turtles spawn in the sand or you can swim in the sea together with turtle. The size of entire region of sea conservation is about 1,27 millions hectare. 

In Derawan island, you can find 460 species of corals and take the second position after Raja Ampat in

West Papua. The management of conservation place and team of international experts also find more than 870 species of fishes here, start from dwarf seahorse until giant stingray. In a few days, a group of stingrays within a number of 50 stingrays eat together around Derawan sea. 

Stingray that sometimes appears around Derawan island

While in Kakaban, you can find the greatest jellyfish lake and the most various in the world, include 4 unique species of stingless jellyfish that can swim backwards. This is the reason why Kakaban is considered to become the nomination of World Heritage Site of UNESCO. 

Derawan islands has a great number of unique and protected species like coconut crab, whale, dolphin, and sea cow. The coconut crab is found near Kakaban island and Maratua island, while you can see whale and dolphin in certain months in Semama, Sangalaki, Kakaban, and Maratua. 

The sea cows swim around Panjang and Semama island, while stingrays is found near Sangalaki. Seahorses is located around Semama and Derawan. Another protected species is baracuda. There are 28 spots of diving here. The divers need at least 10 days to explore all of those places. 

How To Go There ?

The underwater biodiversity of Sangalaki 

To go to Derawan island, youc an fly from Singapore to Balikpapan in east kalimantan. You also can take the flight from jakarta, Surabaya, or Denpasar to Balikpapan by Garuda Indonesia or Mandala Air. Then you take one more flight by KALStar, Deraya airlines or DAS to Tanjung Redep in Berau. From this place, a ship will bring you to Derawan island. 

Many resorts in Derawan provide transportation and diving equipments. For the accommodation, many resorts over there provide cheap bungalow with the kalimantan style that overlook to the beautiful sea. You can rent a ship house that is designed as residence if you want to live on the ship, usually for a far travel. 

The sunset atmosphere in Segah river.

If you want to continue your holiday to Sangalaki island, you can take a flight from International Airport of Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta to Sepinggan airport (BPN) in Balikpapan that is serviced by Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, and Lion Air. 

From Sepnggan, you can use Deraya plane to the mother city of Berau regency, Tanjung Redeb. Deraya serve the commuter and rented flight. Along the travel, you can see the life of local society in the hinterland of Kalimantant that is not affected by modernization. 

After arrive in Tanjung Redeb, you can continue your travel by speed boat along Segah river to Sangalaki. Seeing the local society that live in the riverside and children play happily will make you smile after the long travel. So far, it's needed 8 until 9 hours from Jakarta to sangalaki. 

Besides visiting Sangalaki, you can visit other islands like Maratua or Kakaban island. In Sangalaki island is built a resort called Sangalaki Dive Lodge that will prepare the lodging facilities, facilities to dive and some guides to dive. 

For more information about Derawan and Sangalaki tourism object and another tourism objects in Indonesia please visit Wonderful Indonesia

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